Sunday, November 1, 1998 Published at 12:39 GMTSci/TechEternal youth in zero gravityThe winds of Hurricane Mitch, as seen from DiscoverySpace travel could be a fountain of youth for elderly astronauts, according to veteran astronaut John Glenn.

"It's an advantage up here for older folks because in zero-G you can move around much more easily," the 77-year-old Nasa pioneer said in a transmission from space.

John Glenn: steadier than after take-off

He was speaking from the deck of the shuttle Discovery, which is currently in orbit around the earth.

In brief video transmissions, Senator Glenn appeared more comfortable with weightless atmosphere than he did on Friday, when broadcasts showed him grabbing at handles.

He was restrained by straps when he became the first American to orbit the earth in 1962.

Ground control in Houston said the whole crew are in good health three days into the nine-day mission, with nothing impeding the 83 planned on-board scientific experiments.